Irene Page Smith Stevens

The Obituary
"The memory of a good person is a blessing." - Proverbs 10:7
Mrs. Irene Page Stevens
"From the vestiges of slavery to a blooming rose to magnificent"
On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, Jesus gently wrapped his arms around Mrs. Irene Page Stevens at the age of 103 years and called her home to be with the father.
Mrs. Irene Page Stevens was born, on April 22, 1919, to Ms. Eva Mae Smith in the Greytown Community of Smithfield, NC. She resided in this community her entire life living close to her family. However, her worldview and view of human life were not limited by her environment. She was raised by her grandparents Amelia and William Smith, both of whom were born into slavery. She had fond memories of the strict discipline of her grandparents as well as of the strength and fortitude of her grandfather. Mrs. Irene inherited that same strength and fortitude that she used to carry her through life's journey. She was a devoted mother and loved her family. She was a skilled homemaker as well as an excellent cook, who took pride in everything that she did. She was very organized and made sure that everything stayed in place at her home. She was a humble loving person, and she always maintained a gentle warm spirit with a loving smile.
Her spirituality was influenced by her grandfather, who was a Deacon during the early years of the existence of First Baptist Church (First Missionary Baptist Church) of Smithfield. Her spirit and humbleness led her to God, and she joined the First Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. At First Baptist, she was a dedicated member and served as a member of the Usher Board, Missionary Ministry, Beautification Committee, Kitchen Ministry, and a member of the Pastor's Aid Committee for many years. She regularly attended church and supported her church until her health declined.
She received her formal education at Johnston County Training School, although her "mother wit" and life's experiences prepared her for the challenges of life. She was employed by K. R. Edwards Leaf Tobacco Company where she retired at the age of seventy-five. Her social contacts basically evolved around the many friends she met while working for the company and they formed the core of a wonderful club which was the Social Savings Club. She enjoyed being a part of this club and she served in different capacities for many years.
She was married to the late Harris Stevens in 1943 who preceded her in death on February 10, 1964. She was blessed to have a husband who was a family man. He was a strong, loving, progressive, hard-working, and innovative man with an entrepreneurial spirit. They adopted a daughter, Ms. Susie Stevens, and three children were born into this union: Gloria Jean (deceased), Harold, and Carvin. Gloria Jean, who she referred to as her beautiful angel died in infancy. They also raised her nephew Addison Smith as a son.
She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Susie Stevens of Bronx, NY, and two sons, Harold Stevens (Antoinette) and Carvin Stevens (Dermetta). Six grandchildren; Mrs. Miriam Delgado, Ms. Robin Vinson, Mrs. Sherrill Haley (Maurice), Mr. Shon Stevens (Tarsha), Ms. Shay Stevens, and Ms. Nefetia Stevens; eleven great-grandchildren, Ms. Susan T. Delgado, Mr. Raymond Delgado Jr., Dr. Tarshona Stevens, MD., Mr. Ze'quan Stevens, Master Mauri Haley, and Master Myles Haley, Master Jackson Stevens Butler, Ms. Laihla Stevens, Ms. Kymor Turner, Ms. Logan Turner, and Master Keegan Turner. Two nieces; Mrs. Otelia Gupton and Mrs. Mae Gloria Jones; three nephews; Mr. Frank Smith, Jr., Mr. Addison Smith, and Mr. Calvin Smith all of whom she absolutely adored, and they would do anything for Aunt Irene. She was preceded in death by her three siblings: Mr. Frank Smith, Mrs. Martha Newsome, and Mrs. Dahlia Mae Penny.
Her extended family for the last three years and at the time of her passing was her loving nieces Mrs. Mae Gloria Jones, Mrs. Shirley Reddick and her family (Kadejah, Whitney, Paisley, Javon), and a great-nephew Mr. Victor Dale Jones. Mae and her aunt had a very, very special bond that will last forever. Special thanks to her great-great niece, Ms. Kadejah Reddick for her expertise and love in caring for her and being her heartbeat for the last couple of weeks. This made it possible for her to pass at home in her beloved Greytown.
She was a friend to all and a matriarchal example to many. Her love and enthusiasm for life have set an example for longevity. The bible verse that she frequently quoted throughout her life was the fifth commandment.
"Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee" - Exodus 20:12

Visitation:
Tuesday, July 19
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Burning Bush Tabernacle
714 US hwy 70
Smithfield, NC 27577

Funeral Service:
Wednesday, July 20
11:00 AM
First Missionary Baptist Church
403 Caswell St.
Smithfield, NC 27577

Interment:
Wednesday, July 20
Sunset
Smithfield, NC 27577